Should Boo be considered a genie?

[Desassina]

RandomGuy, consider the fact that Kaioshin is still a Shin-jin whose name is Shin, the latter which translates back to Japanese as divine in Kaioshin (but has a different meaning through its kanji), when his race is that of a Core being, because the world that he belongs to is Kaishin-sei (World Core). Toriyama uses puns like that, and Majin Boo could translate back to genie and evil being, because the majins in Arabian folklore were evil. I wouldn't go for in-universe reasons like Majin Boo having expelled his evil to justify a creative decision.

[Waluigiman]

Buu seems to have a genie theme, so this isn't far-fetched. Mr.popo is also a genie and their distinct looks can be excused by saying that all genies are different but alike at the same time. Like all popos are genies but not all genies are popos.

[RandomGuy96]

RandomGuy, consider the fact that Kaioshin is still a Shin-jin whose name is Shin, the latter which translates back to Japanese as divine in Kaioshin (but has a different meaning through its kanji), when his race is that of a Core being, because the world that he belongs to is Kaishin-sei (World Core). Toriyama uses puns like that, and Majin Boo could translate back to genie and evil being, because the majins in Arabian folklore were evil. I wouldn't go for in-universe reasons like Majin Boo having expelled his evil to justify a creative decision.

I mean that, from an out of universe point of view, the fact that good Boo is still called "Majin Boo" would be an indication that Toriyama didn't necessarily intend "Majin" to be evil/demonic, when the "magical being" interpretation fits much better.

Buu seems to have a genie theme, so this isn't far-fetched. Mr.popo is also a genie and their distinct looks can be excused by saying that all genies are different but alike at the same time. Like all popos are genies but not all genies are popos.

Popo is never said to be a genie, as far as I know. Nor is he given a title like "majin."

[Waluigiman]

RandomGuy, consider the fact that Kaioshin is still a Shin-jin whose name is Shin, the latter which translates back to Japanese as divine in Kaioshin (but has a different meaning through its kanji), when his race is that of a Core being, because the world that he belongs to is Kaishin-sei (World Core). Toriyama uses puns like that, and Majin Boo could translate back to genie and evil being, because the majins in Arabian folklore were evil. I wouldn't go for in-universe reasons like Majin Boo having expelled his evil to justify a creative decision.

I mean that, from an out of universe point of view, the fact that good Boo is still called "Majin Boo" would be an indication that Toriyama didn't necessarily intend "Majin" to be evil/demonic, when the "magical being" interpretation fits much better.

Buu seems to have a genie theme, so this isn't far-fetched. Mr.popo is also a genie and their distinct looks can be excused by saying that all genies are different but alike at the same time. Like all popos are genies but not all genies are popos.

Popo is never said to be a genie, as far as I know. Nor is he given a title like "majin."

Well he has to be something and he looks like a genie if I ever see one. Just take this a comment with no true impact as it is just my interpretation.

[MyVisionity]

I was reminded recently that the container that Spopovich and Yamu used to drain Gohan's energy was shaped similar to the oil lamp from Arabian Nights. I hadn't made that connection before.

I think I've come to the point where I would say that, yes, Majin Boo should be considered a Genie/Jinni/Djinn. However, I don't think that the "Majin" part of his name should be translated as "Djinn". I can understand why Viz chose to do this, but I think that it's a little too "on the nose", since "Majin" is such a broad term that encompasses a wide variety of beings beyond simply Djinn. And also because Toriyama included such a variety of magical elements to begin with (Cinderella, madoushi, Makai, majuu, abrakadabra, etc.) that I think "Majin" should be left alone. Although my mind could always change on the subject, who knows...

[linkdude20002001]

Interestingly merchandise labels him as either "超サイヤ人 破壊王子ベジータ" which google translates to "Super Saiyan Destruction Prince Vegeta" or flat out "魔人ベジータ"

Weird. I'm still pretty sure it was still only first mentioned as a fan-term. I don't think he had figured back in the 90s. Maybe a guide-book mentiond it, tho. I didn't think of that before. Maybe fans got it from there? Or fans just got it rite by coincidence?

[RandomGuy96]

I can't believe I forgot this, but the apparently Arab Pintar at the tournament wears very similar clothes to Fat Buu's and looks a lot like a human version of him. Right down to his ponytail standing in for a head tentacle. Foreshadowing maybe?